If you are a current Midland Trust client, please click here to log in to your account. Looking for account resources? Click here.

View All

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages
Filter by Categories
Cryptocurrency Investing
ETC News
Featured Your Story
Investor Insights Blog
Managing Your Account
News and Trends
Precious Metals Investing
Private Equity and Entity Investing
Promissory Note Investing
Real Estate
Real Life Examples
Roth IRA
Self-Directed IRA Concepts
Small Business Plans
Tax Insights
Tax-Advantaged Accounts

Indirect Benefits Rules

The purpose of the IRA is to provide for your retirement in the future. It is considered an “indirect benefit” if your IRA is engaged in transactions that, in some way, can benefit you personally today.


FREE Self-Directed IRA Rules Guide


The IRS defines a prohibited transaction as follows:

“Generally a prohibited transaction is any improper use of your IRA account or annuity by you, your beneficiary or any disqualified person. Disqualified persons include your fiduciary and members of your family (spouse, ancestor, lineal descendant, and any spouse of lineal descendant).”

–Source: IRS Publication 590

IRS Publication 590 indicates that, in addition to prohibited investments, the IRS prohibits certain transactions within IRAs. Prohibited transactions include investments with disqualified individuals (as defined by IRC 4975), “self-dealing”, and receiving indirect benefits.

Indirect Benefit Examples

The following are just a few types of indirect benefit transactions that are NOT allowed in an IRA:

  • Personally using property held in the IRA: Using real estate purchased through your IRA as an office, personal residence, vacation home, or retirement home
  • Receiving personal benefits from your IRA: Lending yourself money from your IRA or paying yourself, or a company that you own, to do work on a home purchased by your IRA
  • Using your IRA funds to buy a vacation home that you or your family will use
man on mountain

Let’s talk about your financial future.

Schedule a one-on-one session with an expert alternative investment counselor. We’re here to answer any questions, help guide you through the process, and provide more detailed information and education specific to your journey.

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By entering your information and clicking Start a Conversation, you consent to receive reoccurring automated marketing text messages and emails about Equity Trust’s products and services. This consent is not required to obtain products and services. If you do not consent to receive text messages and emails from Equity Trust and seek information, contact us at 855-233-4382. Reply STOP to opt out from text messages. Message and data rates may apply. View Terms & Privacy.